Previous Tips:

January 2009 - Decorating Cents. In these uncertain times, homeowners are looking for economical ways to get a designer room on a tighter budget. Here are my top three ways to save big on style:
1) Update favorite artwork & photos with matching new frames for a gallery-style feel.
2) Fresh paint. On anything.
3) Add trim to outdated lampshades for a designer touch in every room.

December 2008 - For a designer look this Christmas, keep your decorations unified and polished by sticking to only two or three colors. Use your palette on everything from the wrapping paper to the candles for a pleasing, not overwhelming, atmosphere.

November 2008 - Simple Centerpiece. For a simple, yet colorful centerpiece this Thanksgiving, use glass apothecary jars (purchased at home decorating stores) and fill with artichokes, oranges, or cranberries. The filler can be authentic or fake, depending on how long you intend to display the centerpiece. Vary the height of each jar and place a linen-colored table runner underneath for a picture-perfect setting.
Price: $50
October 2008 - Don't stress over finding the perfect artwork (which can be costly). Instead, buy inexpensive round mirrors (try target.com) and hang a cluster. Mirrors open up spaces, making them seem larger, and the fun of several small mirrors is a nice change from the standard.

September 2008 - Lighten up: Dull room? Dark space? Small budget? Replacing light fixtures that are outdated, out of scale or impractical is an easy fix for any room! Better yet, it can be affordable! Shop at builder supply stores or online to find bargains, like this contemporary pendant light, only $20 at wrappables.com!

August 2008 - You may be sabatoging yourself! Potential homebuyers may love the price of your abode, but not the furniture layout, paint colors, cluttered bedrooms, etc. Professional home staging has been proven to sell homes quicker and often times for more money! Call today for your personalized consultation!

July 2008 - GET YOUR GUEST ROOM READY FOR SUMMER GUESTS IN A HURRY!" If you have: 1 week: Touch up the paint on baseboards to freshen up dingy walls and wash window treatments. 5 days: Wash bed linens and rugs and bring in a floor length mirror if you have one to spare. 3 days: Create a guest bed that beckons to weary travelers! Eliminate extra throw pillows and keep it simple- two to four standard pillows and a light weight quilt in white or linen will be plenty, but comfortable. Gather tourist info and house keys and place on the dresser. 1 day: Set out fresh flowers on the bedside table and stack fresh towels nearby. On a breakfast tray, fill a small tin bucket with travel size toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, etc. and set on the bed. If possible, arrange a small surface space in front of a mirror for your guest(s) to get ready so that the line for the bathroom doesn't get too long.

June 2008 - HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? Many clients want to know how much of their budget to allocate towards big ticket items. My answer is always the same: For items that will receive high-traffic use, such as area rugs, buy the best you can afford even if that means saving up for an extra six months. These items will last longer, will resist fading/wear-and-tear/and will likely come with a warranty of some sort. Two exceptions: If you change your mind (and your style preferences) often, or when buying trendy accent pieces that you won't mind replacing in a few years.

May 2008 - FOOL-PROOF PAINTING If you're all too familiar with bleeding paint lines, Frog Tape is for you! This bright green painter's tape is guaranteed to prevent messy lines and is ideal for every painting project. (Frog tape can be purchased at many commercial painting supply stores.)

April 2008 - UPDATE YOUR LIGHTING FIXTURES Repainting or glazing your existing light fixtures
can create a whole new look without digging into your pockets. Visit your local craft or hardware store to find the right glaze for the look you're after. Most can be applied with a sponge brush or rag and the process takes about a day! This is ideal for chandeliers, pendants and pot racks.

March 2008 - MAKE A LAMP REALLY SHINE! To dress up a dated lamp or even a new one with a nothing-special shade, head to the fabric store! First, measure the lamp shade so you will know how much fabric you will need. Make sure that if you want to use the lamp as task lighting (for reading or working) that you don't use an opaque fabric. Next, pick out your trim to fit your room's style. Use fabric glue to attach the fabric to all four sides of the shade, and a hot glue gun to attach the trim to either the top or bottom of shade, or both! Even the base of the lamp can be glazed if you want a completely different look! Cost: Under $15.00

February 2008 - THAT'S A WRAP! Unusual wrapping paper or beautifully detailed wallpaper has another untapped use! Cut 5x7 or 8x11 pieces of your favorite papers and frame them for quick, inexpensive art for any room of the house!

January 2008 - Go Green! Instead of tossing glass candleholders once the wax has been melted down, think of all the ways you can go green! First, place container in freezer to harden leftover wax. After several hours, the wax should lift out easily with a dull knife. I use multiples of these as vases to hold single blossoms along a buffet, or to line a window sill with white tea lights. You can also make use of larger ones in bathrooms to hold cotton balls and Q-Tips! Glade's glass containers are my personal favorite, as the original candles are inexpensive and the recycled containers look great together.